Brownie Points

Baking has been an essential part of cultures throughout the entire world. It is a cherished hobby for its delicious treats and ability to bring cultures and people together. It is an art that takes minutes to love, but years to master. That is why I was drawn to baking. Time-consuming occupations are drawing to me and I hope more can enjoy them as well

Brownies are a delectable treat that everyone enjoys. As Sally says, "There is nothing in this world that compares to a homemade brownie" (MckKenney 43). We will be diving into her Death By Chocolate Brownies recipe. Ingredients required are as followed:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) of salted butter
• 80z of coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
• 3 eggs (cold)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (95g) of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1 1/2 cups (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips

The prep time should take 20 minutes and the total baking time is around 65 minutes. This recipe makes about 20 brownies (McKenney 43).

Recipe:

1. To begin, melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a large bowl and allow slight cool for 10 minutes. 
2. Then, adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottom and sides of an 11x7 in baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
3. Stir the granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate/butter mixture. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour and salt. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 37-45 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the edges of the pan. Tip: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs when they are done (McKenney 43).
   
4. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Lift the foil out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into squares. The brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. 
   
5. Enjoy!
   

The brownies were a success! The baking was time-consuming, it being my first time baking, but the final product was worth it and delicious.

If I were to do this recipe again it would have been easier if I had my supplies handy and ready before I started cooking. It was a struggle having a cracked egg in my hand while trying to find whisk. Also, I would have let the brownies sit and cool longer because the cutting got messy when my knife slice through the center and chocolate goop was dripping from the knife. 

If you are looking to indulge yourself into to baking I would highly recommend McKenney's brownie recipe because it is easy for beginners and an enjoyable experience. 

What is your favorite homemade dessert? Do you like chocolate? Or are you more of a vanilla type person? 

Thanks for reading!

McKenney, Sally. Sally's Baking Addiction: Irresistible Cookies, Cupcakes, & Desserts for Your Sweet-tooth Fix. New York, NY: Race Point, 2014. Print.